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N**H
Can I get you a glass of water?
I approached this with trepidation as autobiographies by people so young can't have much to say. Can they?But I was wrong. Primarily because this isn't an autobiography. But also because Anna has a LOT to say. In interviews and social media, she always comes across as a bit of an oddball, but very perceptive and funny. This piqued my initial interest in the book and it didn't disappoint. Anna's sense of humour comes across very well (it made me actually laugh out loud a few times!) and makes the book very engaging. She retells her stories with an informal frankness. And she departs lessons to readers without preaching. The book doesn't read like an autobiography but instead like a collection of memories from somebody who feels undeserving of what they have achieved. It feels as though the writing of this book was something of a cathartic release for Anna and her candid approach works very well. I'd recommend this book to young girls especially because Anna approaches a lot of issues they may face with brutal honesty and advice. What's abundantly clear throughout the book is that Anna's a hard worker who deserves her fame. She's brilliantly talented and doesn't give up. As a result, she's unwittingly an ideal role model for young girls today.The one detail that made me laugh was Anna's reading list throughout the book is pretty dark: The Rise of the 3rd Reich, Charles Manson's autobiography, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep and The Shining...As a collection of memories and experiences, the book works well. The book does lose it's pace towards the end and feels almost like Anna had to rush to finish it or added filler. I think she recognises this herself in the chapter detailing the boat trip. Irrespective, it was a great read.I'm close to giving it 5 stars, but in case Anna ever stumbles across this review I don't want it to go to her head and think she nailed it on the first go.
I**N
Must read!
Honestly best autobiography type book I have read. No sugar coated rubbish, as well as sharing her journey from theatre to movies Anna writes about things you really wouldn't expect and it's extremely refreshing. I would also advise any fan if you're weird, maybe feel like you don't fit in, feel like you're on your own etc READ IT, you will realise your thoughts that you should probably keep to yourself Anna has them too and writes them down! I read to escape my own head, just take a glimpse into someone else's life for a few days, I was a bit gutted to have finished the book so quickly but I really needed it, and appreciate everything she wrote in the book, made me feel my weirdness is perfectly fine and it is. I look forward to the next book when Anna is 70 ;) Hope she titles it "The crazy got out" or something like that.
P**T
Authentic and witty
This is authentically Anna's voice, telling a genuine narrative about aspects of her life. I like that she is so honest, witty and open, even when it might not flatter her to tell it how it was. I also enjoyed how grounded she seems about the cost of living, the uncertainty of being cast in the next thing and how ephemeral fame can be. She is reflective and insightful, and I felt like I got a good insight into what it is like to be an actor, but also to understand her relationships, values and sense of humour. She spends a fair bit of the book expressing her bafflement about celebrity culture and expectations, which made me feel like she is my kind of person, but I felt that sense of connection even more so when she is talking about her refreshingly low key sex-positive feminism, body-consciousness and using the ocasional swear word.All told it is an engaging and real autobiography, that contrasts with the reams of polished, ghost-written and preachy biogs that are out there. If you like her twitter, and/or the characters she plays in films then you'll probably like this. It was a genuinely enjoyable and engaging read. I was stuck for an hour in my car on a cold day before an appointment at the passport office, and from the moment I picked up this book it went in such a flash I was almost late!
C**S
5 out of 5, great read
Very rare that I give a book 5 out of 5, but if Anna Kendrick ever gets tired of acting I think she has a very good chance of jumping into a new career as I writer. I'm not a big reader of biographies or autobiographies but this one struck me as appearing quite humourous and I was right.This is not just a book about acting or trying to get into acting. It deals with so much more. The stress of growing up, the anxieties that many teenagers face, drinking, availability of drugs and I think ultimately something most of us seek long into adulthood, who we are and where do we belong.I couldn't put it down and laughed and smiled the whole way through. Anna shows the pressures on family and herself from childhood acting all the way to her current hollywood status but in an entertaining and relatable way.
L**L
"I'm so close to being wonderful."
As a 99p Kindle Deal of the Day a couple of days after I saw Pitch Perfect, it was pretty much fated that I would buy its charming star’s memoir. Billed as a “collection of autobiographical essays”, this was a light-hearted enough read – but shot through with bolts of resonance. Like this one, which I screenshot to keep on my phone:"And YET, I always think, This is my year... It’s like this Tyler Durden-style feeling that I’m so close. I’m so close to being a real person. I’m so close to making time for friends and family. I’m so close to being able to take out the trash without checking that none of my neighbours are outside because small talk makes me feel like the world is on fire. I’m so close to being wonderful."
M**G
Honest and witty
I don't usually read autobiographies, especially of people who are young (because don't they still have their life ahead of them?) However Anna Kendrick is one of my favourite actresses so when I saw this book on special offer I decided to give it a try. I'm pleased I did. It's not a normal autobiograph, it felt more like a chat with a friend. I'm really pleased that I bought this book and thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
B**B
Scrappy Little Somebody
How often have you seen a person - a performer in this case - and really liked their work, but never thought much about who they were as a "real" person. I have to admit that was the case, for me, with Anna Kendrick until I saw her in "A Simple Favor." It was that movie (don't ask me why) that jarred me into really taking notice of this funny, talented and very charming young lady. Subsequently, calling on Mr. Google, I learned that I had actually been a long time fan of her work: "Mr Right," "Up In The Air," "Pitch Perfect," "Scott Pilgrim," all came quickly to mind, and it was there that I learned she had authored this particular novel. I had to know more about Anna. I ordered the book immediately.It is, I suppose, autobiographical in tone, but it is really so much more. It is witty, charming, and an endearing portrait of this truly amazing woman. She is - has had to be - scrappy, but she is far removed from the self-deprecating person she calls a "nobody." Anna Kendrick is somebody you'd like to meet, not because she's a celebrity, but more because she doesn't view herself in that light. Buy this book, brew a pot of coffee, and settle in to enjoy the story she has to tell. I think you'll find it to be an enjoyable, fun ride.
S**S
I loved this book
I loved this book. And to be fair, I took forever to finish it, which is not my normal modus operandi when I love a book. Those of you who read my reviews know that I usually devour books I love. But this one I savoured ... like a fine wine.Okay, straight up, for the last year-and-a-half this has been my bathroom book. Not just for sitting on the toilet but also bubble baths and hiding in there when I'm entertaining people I need a break from. I pre-ordered this book and started reading it as soon as it came but immediately recognized it as a collection of wonderful vignettes that I wanted to enjoy slowly. In the toilet. (And I'm SURE I had many guests who saw the book sitting on the counter and helped themselves to some Anna humour).Anna is hilarious and REAL. She's one of those famous people who you want to meet not to ask for an autograph but to hang out with just to ask her about how weird it is to be famous.I first saw her in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and for years afterward thought she was sooo cool and I was really proud she was a Canadian actress (yeah, she's not Canadian ... but she's cool enough to be Canadian). And I didn't first see her in Scott Pilgrim ... I kinda forgot she was in Twilight (sorry, Anna). Beyond learning that she is indeed an American actress, I loved hearing about feisty young Anna going for her dreams.And she includes lots of fun extras in this book. I particularly loved her special afterward for book clubs. And her About the Author page (I also am shorter in real life).I could go on and on about how much I adored Anna's voice in this book but I'll start to be repetitive. Just go and get it (you know you need a bathroom book). Now I have an empty spot on the vanity in the bathroom ...
K**R
The Crazy Wants Out.
Before I read the books I saw the first Twilight film, I really hated Kristan Stewart and Robert Pattinson here but overall I am not a fan of these two actors they are overrated in my opinion. Now what helped or more likely who helped was Anna Kendrick who played Jessica. She saved it for me. Then I saw AK in Pitch Perfect now how awesome is that film? It is totally crazy and the modern music used is fantastic. I still haven’t seen PP3 though it is on my list.Anna is honest and relatable, very relatable if you ask me. She has stayed down to earth and has a fantastic work ethic. She doesn’t consider herself to be famous although she has worked with the likes of George Clooney and Ben Affleck but what is really interesting is that Anna started out in theatre on Broadway. She shows that being in Hollywood isn’t all that glamourous and that thinking acting is overrated is a lie.Oddly enough Clint Eastwood thought that becoming an actor would be easy work shows what he knew but the again he is one of the best actors in the world IMO.Anyway I really enjoyed this book it is funny, a riot to read and well honest to a fault. She doesn’t take herself particularly serious which makes her endearing and well in a way normal I guess.I recommend it and I truly hope that her career shall continue to strive as she is scrappy but she isn’t a nobody anymore.
M**S
It started off really well, and was very interesting to read
This book is a great story about an up-and-coming actress, who seems to have landed well with the Pitch Perfect movies as well as The Accountant. I liked the anecdotal background and glimpses into her family life, the ribbing her brother gives her and all the trials and tribulations along the way. She is candidly open. A bit too much emphasis on smoking dope in spots, it's about as common as smoking a cigarette now. But going from penniless to riches and never giving up is really inspiring and worth the read. The awards ceremony part was really good!
M**E
Delightful read !
Very nicely done. Not only is Anna Kendrick drop dead gorgeous, not only can she sing, but she can write as well !! Well paced, with a wicked sens of humour with the ability to laugh at herself, this autobiography not only gives a glimpse into Anna's life, but also a behind the curtain reveal at filming, broadway and the Oscars. I highly recommend this even if you are only mildly infatuated with this lovely (sometimes quirky) up and coming star, whom I am sure will continue to impress us for years to come!
C**2
Not sure what I expected...
This was a fun read, and having no prior expectations helped in enjoying it. If you come into the book hoping it's some guide to her fame, you'll be disappointed. Also, no defined chronology between chapters so a bit hard to follow if you're looking at a real biography. All else considered, I'd recommend it to people who just want some awkward laughs and are capable of understanding millenial humou: ie. Doing something ironically.
R**É
ever read anything which even remotely looks like a biography
I usually never, ever read anything which even remotely looks like a biography. I'm glad i did in this case. Really worth it. I won't spoil the surprise but Anna writes about things we can all relate to. I only started reading and i can't seem to put it down. One thing is certain. Anna is a survivor. Up to now the book is highly recommended.All in all. Not only a great actress and singer but a great writer as well.
M**R
A+ from start to finish
Anna states on the last page that she hopes her book made someone feel less alone and that it did. It reassured this hopeful actor that not working for a while is a part of choosing this career, that having a backup plan isn't the only way to succeed, and that sometimes you don't love the work that you do, but it pays the bills (I'm looking at you, twilight). This book is filled with relatable stories and good laughs, just like what I would imagine a real-life conversation with Kendrick would be. Listening to the Audio book, read by the author, is also great, and really connects you with the stories!
J**F
So funny and entertaining
The book is such an honest account of Anna Kendrick’s life and it feels like she is speaking directly to me just like a good friend would, a swearing sailor type of friend who has no censor (lol Anna Kendrick is funny), but still a real and honest narration of a celebrity life. I did wish that the book was more of a chronological journey as at times I found myself confused at her age or the period of time that was being explored but otherwise the stories are fantastic and it’s nice to read the perspective of a celebrity that is “normal” but still extraordinary. Please write a second book Anna Kendrick! Can’t wait to hear what happens in your next phase of life and career!
S**A
Scrappy little Nobody
Si vous aimez Anna Kendrick, ce livre est fait pour vous.Elle le dit elle même dès le début, elle ne dévoile pas la sa vie et se contente des parties "intéressantes" ou divertissantes.Une chose et sur elle à une vie plutot intéressante, de sa jeunesse d'actrice à broadway à sa consécration au cinéma, en passant par ses amours, et ses moments plus sombres elle ous donne un portrait d'une actrice moderne, drole et non-conformiste (même si dans le fond elle voudrait être comme tout le monde).Bref, je ne suis pas un critique littéraire, j'adore Anna, et cette autobiographie confirme que c'est une personne sincérement rigolote.(Livre en VO)
C**E
Great read.
Love learning about Anna Kendrick and her rise to fame also for realism on how Stars aren't rich off the bat and they have to work for it and they're struggling for quite a while in their career until they make it semi big or too big.
J**R
3 stars good writing, lacking subject matter
Your average celebrity ‘memoir’ – not much juicy info – a little dull, especially regarding the love-life department. She does write well and it was a quick read but it was to breezy and light and didn’t delve into anything ‘meaty’ about her as a person.
K**R
A fun read
Kendrick's memoir is candid and self deprecatingly funny. The 'author' recounts a string of anectodes that show she's as much grounded as she was during her pre-Hollywood theater days. The best quote from this book is - "Man, if you’re messing up someone’s day with what you’re wearing, you’re doing something right.”"
R**A
READ IT!
I know I'm biased, as Anna is my future wife, but I removed one star to compensate for that. The book is funny, self-deprecating and witty, as you'd expect if you follow her career as well as her Twitter and Instagram feeds. The best bits are about her teenage years, her start in the theater and the first years in Hollywood. You'll definitely have a great time reading it.
K**L
Do yourself a favour, read it, please
Anna Kendrick is an absolutely badass and if you ever need inspiration to be a bit more badass yourself, I highly recommend reading Scrappy Little Nobody.
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